EMU student accounting fraternity awarded superior rating

YPSILANTI – The students handling the beans and other produce at Food Gatherers may actually be the bean counters of Eastern Michigan University’s Beta Alpha Psi fraternity, an honorary organization for accounting students.

The group was awarded superior status by the fraternity’s national headquarters, in part, for their volunteer work with Food Gatherers, an agency that delivers food to hunger relief providers.

This is the highest status granted by the national organization, said Susan Kattelus, professor and head of EMU’s Department of Accounting and Finance. The EMU chapter has achieved superior status for the last three years.

“Before joining Beta Alpha Psi, I was just someone who came to school and went home. Now I know more people on campus and many more (people) in my major,” said Gretchen Mergentime, president of EMU’s fraternity. “I also get to network with recruiters from different firms when they make weekly presentations (for the chapter).” She is a resident of Howell who graduated in April 2004.

“Our Beta Alpha Psi students are well-deserving of this recognition. They work hard to maintain high academic standards, participate in community service activities and serve as role models for other students,” said Kattelus.

The chapter received a plaque and $500 for scholarships recently during the annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

With 255 chapters nationwide, the organization annually evaluates chapters on service to members, campus, community and the profession. Activities include speeches and panel discussions, field trips, business meetings, and other social and service activities.

Within the last year, the EMU chapter has organized volunteer income tax assistance for the community; attended athletic events as a group; participated in weekly meetings; and offered presentations by professionals on management, resumes, networking and CPA review courses.

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